The first steps in the “renaissance” of the East Anglian fishing industry will take place at a conference next month.

Politicians and members of the region’s fishing industry will meet in Lowestoft to discuss how best to capitalise on the opportunities presented post-Brexit.

George Eustice – minister for fishing – will be among those attending the meeting at The Hotel Victoria on March 15.

The conference is being organised by Waveney MP Peter Aldous along with the Lowestoft Fish Market Alliance (LFMA).

June Mummery, vice chairman of the LFMA, said: “We will be delivering our vision for the renaissance of the fishing industry on the east coast of England.

“The meeting will pull together everyone from fishermen and processors to ship builders and politicians.

“It provides an opportunity to brainstorm and ensure we are in the best position we can be when we leave Europe.

“This is the initial meeting which will discuss the future of rebuilding this industry.”

Mrs Mummery added: “Brexit is a golden opportunity to rejuvenate dependent coastal towns and benefit the nation as a whole.

“Lowestoft will be the hub for the renaissance of East Anglian Fishing.”

As Britain leaves the EU so too will it leave the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) – the rules for managing European fishing fleets and conserving fish stocks.

According to Mr Aldous, the conference will provide the region’s fishing industry the opportunity to shape what a future British fisheries policy will look like.

He said: “The general view is that after Brexit there is the considerable opportunity to catch more fish in Lowestoft and across Suffolk and Norfolk.

“We are seeking to make sure Lowestoft and East Anglia are in a position to make the most of this.”

The MP said coming together at this early stage and ensuring the region’s industry is synchronised with national policy will leave it in the best position to take full advantage of future opportunities.

Mr Aldous also believes Lowestoft will feature prominently in the rebuilding of the region’s fishing industry.

He said: “With the heritage Lowestoft has and its location central to Norfolk and Suffolk it is the logical hub.”